Chitungwiza Accident Victims– The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of the 17 victims who perished in the devastating road traffic accident that occurred on 22 July 2025 at Hunyani Bridge, along the busy Seke Road in Chitungwiza. The tragic crash, which involved a commuter omnibus (kombi) and a haulage truck, has plunged the nation into mourning and reignited urgent calls for improved road safety and regulation.
In an official statement issued on 23 July, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the identities of the deceased after their next of kin positively identified them. The accident has left families shattered and communities across Harare, Chitungwiza, and Murehwa reeling from the loss.
The victims were identified as follows:
Tatenda Silia (25) – male, the kombi driver from Rockview West, Zengeza 5 Extension, Chitungwiza
Wishby Nganima (19) – male, of Nyatsime, Chitungwiza
Letwin Hwingwiri (52) – female, of St John’s Bhora, Murehwa
Frederick Jumo (39) – male, of Stoneridge, Harare
Shantel Jere (3) – female infant, of St Mary’s, Chitungwiza
Rainford Jere (29) – male, of St Mary’s, Chitungwiza
Prodigas Mugere (37) – male, of St Mary’s, Chitungwiza
Tatenda Dhokwani (25) – male, of Damafalls, Ruwa
Samantha Taderera (27) – female, of Zimre Park, Harare
Sheilla Nemasango (58) – female, of Nyatsime, Chitungwiza
Samantha Nyangani (32) – female, of Unit P, Seke, Chitungwiza
Emma Matare (32) – female, of Stoneridge, Harare
Joshua Gutsa (7) – male juvenile, of Stoneridge, Harare
Perpetua Kurwa (35) – female, of Stoneridge, Harare
Anyway Maguduru (26) – male, of Manyame Park, Chitungwiza
Talent Hwingwiri (18) – male, of St John’s Bhora, Murehwa
Mary Nyambiri (63) – female, of St Mary’s, Chitungwiza
Police Release Names of Victims in Chitungwiza Horror Crash, Nation Mourns
Commissioner Nyathi expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the ZRP to all affected families. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police expresses condolences to the bereaved families,” he said. “We understand the deep pain that has been caused by this tragedy, and our thoughts are with the affected communities during this difficult time.”
He further revealed that investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. While preliminary details remain scarce, it is believed that one of the vehicles may have encroached into the oncoming lane, resulting in the catastrophic collision.
“The Police is conducting comprehensive investigations to determine the causes of the accident,” Nyathi stated, adding that the findings will be made public in due course. He took the opportunity to once again urge all road users to exercise maximum caution.
“This tragedy is a grim reminder of the importance of road safety,” said Nyathi. “Motorists are urged to be safety conscious while driving on the country’s roads. Above all, vehicles should be regularly serviced and checked to address mechanical issues for road safety.”
The accident, which occurred on one of the most trafficked routes between Harare and Chitungwiza, has brought attention to the deteriorating condition of public service vehicles, reckless driving habits, and lax enforcement of road safety regulations. Eyewitnesses at the scene described a horrific sight, with emergency responders working tirelessly to retrieve bodies from the mangled wreckage.
The tragedy has sparked national debate, with many Zimbabweans calling for stricter licensing requirements for public transport drivers, tougher penalties for negligent driving, and more frequent vehicle inspections. Civic organisations and road safety advocates have also appealed to the government to overhaul public transportation systems and prioritize infrastructure development.
In recent years, Zimbabwe has witnessed a troubling surge in fatal road accidents, often involving commuter omnibuses operating without full adherence to safety standards. The Seke Road corridor, in particular, has been flagged by transport experts as a high-risk zone due to its heavy traffic volume and aging fleet of public transport vehicles.
For the families of the 17 victims, however, no policy reform or safety campaign will bring back their loved ones. Communities have since begun organising vigils and memorial services in honour of the lives lost, with local churches and civic leaders offering support to the grieving.
As the nation mourns, the tragedy at Hunyani Bridge serves as yet another painful wake-up call—underscoring the cost of negligence on the roads and the urgent need for collective action to ensure safer travel for all Zimbabweans.
